Cave in.
Location: Zandvoort, The Netherlands
Date Played: May 11, 2018
Team size: 2-6; we recommend 3-4
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: from €59 per group of 2 players to €119 per group of 6 players
Ticketing: Private
REA Reaction
The Gold Mine was at its best when we solved collaborative puzzles through interesting and tangible interactions. While we were frustrated by the lighting dynamic that persisted throughout the experience, we generally enjoyed the puzzles in this underground workspace.
If you are in Zandvoort, it’s worth stopping in search of gold.
Who is this for?
- Adventure seekers
- Puzzle lovers
- Any experience level
- Players who are comfortable in dim lighting
Why play?
- Collaborative puzzles
- Exciting conclusion
- The post-game photos
Story
Almost 200 years ago, this Amazonian gold mine had collapsed. Now, however, a persistent archeologist had succeeded in reopening the mine. He believed there would be gold sitting undiscovered in its depths. Despite local superstitions warning us that the mine might not be safe, we ventured in search of gold.
Setting
The Gold Mine was dark and gritty. It felt like an underground workspace, complete with tight spaces and low doorways. We were glad to have helmets.
Gameplay
Escape Room Zandvoort’s The Gold Mine was a standard escape room with a moderate level of difficulty.
Core gameplay revolved around searching, observing, and puzzling.
Analysis
+ As we solved the puzzles, we furthered our mission in the mine. We appreciated how the puzzles moved the narrative forward.
– Before we entered the mine, the “team leader” received a special helmet-mounted UV light. The rest of us entered with flashlights. While we never enjoy searching an entire space for UV cluing, we were particularly put off by the team dynamic created by the tool imbalance and the room lighting. David, who’d volunteered to lead our expedition, felt like he was constantly asking us all to turn off our lights, or shine them in a different direction. The rest of us felt we couldn’t play freely because we kept having to step aside for the UV searching.
+ The Gold Mine had a great transition.
– We didn’t always know when we’d solved a puzzle. The Gold Mine would benefit from spring-loaded releases or pointed lighting to signal opens.
+ There wasn’t a ton of light in this mine, but sometimes it gave us an interesting perspective.
+ We enjoyed the collaborative nature of the late-game puzzles.
– By the time we escaped, we’d had enough of the looping soundtrack.
+ Escape Room Zandvoort took fantastic postgame photos set against their green screen.
Tips for Visiting
- Drive about 45 minutes from central Amsterdam.
- There are adorable restaurants along the beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the escape room.
- Do not wear nice clothing. You will get a bit dusty in this mine.
- The helmets were necessary. Beware of the low doorway.
Book your hour with Escape Room Zandvoort’s The Gold Mine, and tell them that the Room Escape Artist sent you.
Disclosure: Escape Room Zandvoort provided media discounted tickets for this game.
